Out of funds and drowning in debt? This is surely a situation that no one wants to be in. Sadly, this financial hardship can hardly be considered an irregular occurrence. The result of a recent survey by the American Psychological Association reveals that money is one of the biggest stressors in America. Moreover, another survey shows that living a debt-ridden life is one of the top money fears for Americans. Theses studies suggest that in order to beat stress, it is important for an individual to have stable finances and stay out of debt.

This is understandable as paying off huge sums of debt, especially if you are barely getting by, can be stressful or even depressing. While it can be a tough situation to be in, it is definitely not a hopeless one. The moment you realize you are in a financial rut, the best thing you can do is immediately think of solutions to get out of it. If you want to say goodbye to your debt and experience financial freedom, try the following money-management strategies.

Come face-to-face with your debts.

Your debt-free strategy should start by looking at how much money you owe and to whom do you owe them. Just like you list out your goals, you can also put into writing the debt you are targeting to pay. If you have more than one credit card, you can write down the outstanding amounts on each card, interest rates and payment terms. This will help you plan strategies on how to pay off each one and give you a clear idea which loans to prioritize. As you religiously make payments, you can update the list to see how your loan balances are getting smaller. This method will allow you to see your progress and motivate you to reach your financial goals.

Cut back on spending.

If you want to get rid of debt, you have to make sure your lifestyle is not increasing your debt balance. You’ve probably heard how important it is to “live below your means”. Especially if you want to be debt free. This means holding off any purchases that aren’t absolutely necessary. Depending on your impulse control, you may have to hide your credit cards to avoid temptation whenever you want something outside your budget. It is important to accept that for the time being you may need to deny yourself some luxuries or comforts. However, by finding ingenious ways to save and reducing your spending, you can get by without feeling deprived.

Try to negotiate.

High interest rates and compound interest are two of the biggest factors in why paying off debt can feel like a burden. The good news is that you can possibly negotiate a lower interest rate with your bank or other financial institutions. With the right negotiation techniques, you can even request your creditors to freeze the interest for a period of time. These moves will significantly lower the amount you have to pay and ease your financial load. The help they can offer and the strategies you will use vary depending on the kind of loan you have. Remember to be sincere and determined as it may help your creditor be more willing to offer ways to make it easier for you.

Find ways to augment income.

One of the worst feelings is realizing your credit card statement is way more than your monthly paycheck. This can be a huge problem because to prevent interest rates from accumulating, your goal should be to pay the total amount on your bill every time. This may mean that you have to look for new ways to earn more. You may need to take on an extra job or sell items you don’t need. Creativity and determination will help you think of ways to make more money and get out of the debt trap.

If you wish to live a debt-free lifestyle, finances are one of the most important things you have to take control of. It will take discipline and determination, but the satisfaction that comes from finally declaring yourself debt free will be worth all your sacrifices.

Leslie WolgamottFree Yourself From Debt! 4 Ways To Get Debt-Free In No Time

Are you tired of waiting for your dreams and goals to manifest? Do you feel that success remains elusive in spite of all your hard work and effort? We know that great things are worth the wait but sometimes, you can’t help but wish that you could somehow speed things up. If you can relate to the above statements, you may be thrilled to know that there are easy things you can do to achieve your goals in a shorter time. You can even start doing them today. Try doing the following suggestions and expect amazing results.

Write down your goals.

It is hard to determine the things you want to accomplish if you don’t even know your targets. Take time to think about your goals and take the first step by writing it it all down. This simple practice can serve as a powerful reminder that you have goals to meet. Moreover, writing down your goals has a scientific basis. .A study done by psychology professor, Dr. Gail Matthews proved that participants reported a 42% chance of success when they wrote down their goals. When you keep your goals inside your mind, they get stuck in the imaginative part of your brain. However, once you write it down, the goals get transferred into the left hemisphere which dictates logic and action.

Craft a vision board.

Another way to make your journey towards success shorter is by believing in the power of visualization. This concept is featured in the popular book by Rhonda Byrne, The Secret. It states that imagining reaping the success you want will help your dreams to manifest in your life. The power of visualization has been endorsed by notable personalities such as Oprah Winfrey and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

To do this, you need to create a collage of pictures and words that represents your dreams and aspirations. Paste the collage of your goals in a board and place it where you can often see it. According to the law of attraction from the bestselling book by Byrne, visualizing the realization of your dreams allow you to release a positive force into the universe. The universe will then present you opportunities to get you closer to your dreams. To enhance success of your vision board you can meditate and state affirmative sentences.

Find a mentor.

To fast-track your goals, it will be extremely helpful to know the fastest route as well as the traps to avoid along the road. To gain access to this information you need someone who knows the route by heart. Someone who has been there and done that. In other words, a mentor may play a huge role in your success. Mentors can share their expertise and wisdom, and guide you every step of the way. Not everyone may need a mentor but having one definitely gives you an edge over others.

There is no magic trick to guarantee instant success. And true enough, most of the things you want to achieve in life take time and patience. The suggestions above are relatively easy to do but will work best if you combine it with the right attitude to work hard and excel.

Boating is an undeniably fun and relaxing activity. Aside from that, this type of recreation gives multiple benefits to a person’s health and wellbeing. A research study done by Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, a marine biologist, said that boating can make you happier and healthier. Nichols’ research likewise said that boating promotes creativity and reduces stress.

With all the great perks that you can get from sailing on water, it is understandable if you eagerly set a schedule for a boating session right away. It would, however, be careless and unwise to head to the nearest lake, ocean or river without prioritizing safety. Boating may not sound as extreme as other water sports but you still have to exercise precautions in order to avoid any untoward incidents.

Safety Reminders For Boating

To ensure that you are not putting your life (and the life of your companions) at risk, you may want to ask yourself the following questions before going out to sail or boat:

Are you wearing a life-vest?

It is better to be safe than sorry, so do not belittle or ignore the importance of wearing a life jacket while sailing on water. Each person should be wearing a properly-fitted life-vest while on board. However, just wearing one is not enough. It pays to ensure that the life vests on your boat are the right size and pass the standards of the United States Coast Guard (USCG). The USCG has different requirements for various type of water activities and it would not hurt to check their rules before a boating session.

Are you sober?

Drinking while driving is against the law and you should apply the same principle to boating as well. If you intend to spend some time aboard a boat, it is best to ditch alcohol for the day. Do not carry any alcoholic beverages on the boat as well. This is especially because reports from the USCG said that a third of all deaths caused by boating involve alcohol. Another thing, you are in a better position to watch the waves and savor the ocean breeze if you are sober.

Do you have an emergency kit?

Emergencies can happen anytime and anywhere. However, you can boat peacefully if you stock up on tools that can help you cope with any kind of mishap, even while you are in the middle of a lake. Your boat should have a handy first aid kit and a portable battery-operated radio. Among other things, you would also want to have a flashlight, fire extinguisher, and handyman tools on your boat.

Do you have a float plan?

A float plan is a form you can fill out before you set off on your voyage. It should contain essential information about the persons on the boat, details about your boat and the route you plan to take. The time you leave and expected time of return should also be indicated on the form. You leave this document with a friend or relative (any person you trust) so you can be sure that someone will come looking for you if you don’t return. You can easily download float plan templates online.

protected from carbon monoxide. This poisonous gas can emit from poorly installed boat engines, exhaust pipes and generators. To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, it is wise to watch out for any leaks on boat parts that can emit the gas. Even if your boat is free of the poisonous gas, you are also in danger if you happen to dock near a vessel that emits carbon dioxide. Everyone on the boat should therefore be aware of the symptoms and warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. With early detection a remedy can be given right away.

Boating is a great way to enjoy nature. It can also soothe the senses and recharge your spirit. Maximize all the benefits you can have while boating by taking all necessary precautions before sailing.

With the cost of living ever rising, many stay-at-home parents find themselves mulling over the idea of reentering the workforce. You may be faced with the decision of whether to rely on childcare while spending all day at work or trying to create a revenue stream you can maintain from home.

Nowadays, daycare can leave you feeling like you work forty hours per week just to hand your paycheck over to the childcare center. With that in mind, only one option seems to make sense – working from home. But where should you start? Here are three careers that make decent money while being flexible enough to become telecommuting positions.

Youtuber/Blogger

If you have a talent for writing or filmmaking, social media-based platforms may be a winning career path for you. YouTubers’ revenue stems from the ads they place before and during monetized videos, as well as from paid sponsorships and reviews. As you your subscriber count rises, so will your video’s views, which in turn increases the number of plays the video’s advertisements receive.

In short, more views means more money for you. YouTubers film content on just about any subject that you can imagine. The goal is to keep it family friendly, informative and entertaining. Product reviews, how-to videos and daily life vlogs are popular on this platform. Bloggers make money in nearly the same exact way, expect they mainly focus on writing content instead of filming it.

Childcare

If your own children haven’t worn you out, consider opening your home to other children of a similar age. Childcare is a convenient solution when you need a second income. You are already home, caring for your children and this career path allows you to build on that. In-home childcare calls for strict compliance to government welfare standards to ensure children and safe and tended to, but once you have everything set, you are free to watch the money roll in. Whether you provide all day, every day care, or only emergency, last-minute care for drop-ins, there will always be parents who need your services.

Tutor

Private tutors make anywhere from $20-$85 per hour, depending on the subject being taught. Tutoring sometimes requires preparation time to correspond with teachers and parents, create or find curriculum or to research best practices. Clients can be scheduled to meet you during your children’s nap time, or even later in the day once your spouse is home to take over.

Offering tutoring in specialized areas, such as Dyslexia or high-stakes exams, will bring in the highest level of pay since fewer people have experience in those disciplines. Fortunately, positive end-results often garner recommendations from students, parents and administrators who notice the improvements you inspire.

Thankfully, the modern job market has grown to accommodate the different styles of today’s families. Think of all your strengths and talents, and find a career that best fits what you are already good at. With a quick internet search, you’ll find an endless list of employment opportunities that will allow you to conquer parenthood and a career.

You are probably one of the many who starts the year by creating a list of resolutions. You wish and hope for a better year ahead by making a firm decision to break some of your bad habits. These are the habits that keep you from getting that much-needed promotion, from achieving your dream figure, or from getting that much-coveted position.

But we all are aware of the reality that resolutions are likely to be broken. Sometimes, no matter how many self-help books you read or motivational audios you listen, breaking a bad habit is simply hard. Many falls to the lure of succumbing to old toxic ways all too quickly. Sometimes quitting or abandoning your resolutions appear to be the sweeter and easier route to take. But remember the saying that ‘no pain, no gain.’ So before giving up, you may first want to try the simple hacks below:

Recognize the bad behaviors

Bad habits are likely things that you enjoy doing so it may be hard for you to realize how these behaviors are jeopardizing your life. However, the first step in changing a certain behavior is realizing and accepting that you need to let it go because they do more harm than good.

Take small but steady steps

Once you identified the bad habits that are stunting your growth as an individual, it is time to take action! To make the process easier, it is better to take small steps by making slow changes in your habits. For example, If you want to start eating healthier, you may start by reducing soda intake in your diet on your first week. Then for week 2, you may start limiting fatty foods as well. As you go on setting and sticking to small goals, you make the process a lot more doable. At the same time, your confidence to commit to a goal will increase. By taking small but consistent steps, you may one day realize that you have completely erased the bad habit from your lifestyle.

Make a room for failure

Breaking a bad habit is like hitting a high, hard wall so the worst thing you can do is to expect the transition from bad habits to good ones to be easy. You are likely to lose motivation or fail at some point and it is perfectly normal. When you notice your willpower to start a good habit waning, remind yourself that what matters is you do not give up. By making realistic goals, you increase chances of success.

Mind your choice of words

Research has proven that the power of self-affirmation and word-choice will help you say goodbye to old and harmful habits permanently. A 2011 study published by the Journal of Consumer Research reveals the difference of uttering “I don’t” and “I can’t” statements when conditioning good habits. In the said research, one group was asked to use “I don’t “statements while another group used “I can’t” statements to avoid temptations. The study concludes that 8 out of 10 people in the group that used “I don’t” manages to successfully stick to their goals.

Form a support team

Who says you have to do it all by yourself? You can seek the help of the people around you as you try to eliminate a bad habit out of your system. Their support and encouragement may just provide the boost you need to hold on to that resolution.

You probably heard the saying “man is a creature of habit”. The quote emphasizes the importance of fostering good habits in having a more rewarding existence. So do all you can to break free from bad habits to move forward in life and to achieve your full potential.

The vision of triumph gives many of us the strength to go on even when difficulties arise. Sometimes though, your goals remain unreachable despite your best efforts and countless struggles. Failures should not be feared because mistakes offer many opportunities for growth and learning. However, if defeats and disappointments start to dominate your life, then it is probably time to start asking yourself why it keeps on happening.

One simple way to achieve your dreams is by emulating the behaviors of successful people that you admire. By observing their ways, you may see the commendable habits and mindsets that set them apart from the rest. Take time to stop a while and examine if your own actions and thinking differ from those of the achievers. Chances are, you may be guilty of the following:

Setting Unrealistic Expectations

The most successful people have a clear perception of what they want to achieve and how to do it; allowing them to set targets that are not too low or too ambitious. Achievers build a path to success and minimize the risk of failures by devoting time to planning and researching prior to goal-setting. On the contrary, those who often fail probably miscalculate the potential of reaching a goal because they ignore the need to invest time into studying their strategies before the actual venture.

Dwelling on Self-Pity and Self-Doubt

Mistakes are an essential part of any learning process so everyone will likely experience a downfall at some point. Strong people acknowledge their emotions by allowing themselves to feel bitter after a loss but they do not dwell on the negative emotions for too long. They do not allow failures to destroy their focus and crush their confidence as well. Instead, they see it as an opportunity to prove to everyone that they can rise above the challenges.

Expecting Things To Be Easy

Achievers know that all great things are worth the wait and effort so the moment they set their eyes on a dream, they also start to prepare for grueling and backbreaking work. If you want success, being hardworking and patient will surely help you reach your targets.

Keep On Making Excuses

Immature people choose to deal with failures by pointing the blame to various factors except themselves. Instead of owning up their wrong moves, they try to heal their wounded egos by making excuses to cover up their shortcomings. This practice is surely a no-no if you want to achieve anything great in life. Stop thinking that you are a victim of realities surrounding you. Instead, learn to be flexible and adjust to realities that are sometimes uncontrollable or unavoidable.

Do Not Take Risks

Successful men and women avoid failures by exercising caution. Nevertheless, it does not mean that they do not have the courage to explore uncharted territories. If you do not have the courage to take risks, you will find it hard to stay competitive and will likely succumb to mediocrity.

Stops After Achieving Success

Success is a continuous journey so it is wrong to stop aiming for more excellence after meeting targets. Highly-successful individuals take care of their accomplishments by consistently finding ways to further improve in their field. Overconfidence may encourage lax behavior that may lead to failure in the end.

There are many other possible reasons that explain why others fail while others succeed. But a quick look at the reasons above reveals the importance of having the right attitude. So work on improving your character and success may chase you everywhere you go.

Leslie WolgamottFoolproof Your Way To Success By Breaking These Habits & Mindsets

In recent years, society has gotten the idea that overworking, jam-packed schedules, and zero work-life balance should be the norm and acceptable. However, many studies actually challenge that notion and suggest that a lifestyle revolving around those habits can negatively affect our health, families, relationships, communities, and even your work performance. The truth is, the most beneficial and successful lifestyle is all about an effective work-life balance. If you fall into the overworked category, don’t worry, you are not alone. It is time to take back your time, your freedom and regain control of your life instead of allowing your calendar to control you.

Here are five steps to take back your time.

Work Smarter, Not Harder

Taking control of your time begins with effective time management. Start by evaluating your current performance and activity. Are you accomplishing everything you want or need to be doing every day? Are your days busy with activity, or are you productive with your activity? There is a difference. Those who are productive are the ones who get things done and have control of their time each day. To maximize your daily productivity, begin with prioritizing what is urgent from what is important, then schedule yourself a window of time to get the urgent tasks done. If you do that and maintain a positive mindset about what you can get accomplished, you will take back your time within the workday with ease.

Be Mindful of How You Spend Down Time

Everyone needs downtime to just veg, some like it more than others. But, a positive work-life balance does not mean working from 9 am to 6 pm and then laying on the couch from 6 pm to bedtime. Instead, make a game plan for your time after you are done with the workday. Clearly identify two to three things that you want to get accomplished once you are home.This can include a productive task like cleaning the kitchen or a relaxing one such as enjoying a glass of wine with your spouse. If your post-work game plan does include a break or down time on the couch, set a time limit for yourself and stick to it. The key is to avoid wasting time, and instead spend it on personal tasks that will help to better your peace of mind.

Overhaul Your Time-Sucking Habits

E-mail, the telephone, social media, text messages, surfing the web, all of these actions can take over and consume all of our time. It is important to manage these time-sucking habits in order to effectively manage your daily schedule and time. Many of us begin each work-day with one of the time-suckers. Instead of getting caught up in a mess of emails, or lost in voicemails, start your day by accomplishing a task. If you can do this, you will do more than most people do during an entire day. Emails and messages, etc. are still important to take care of, just not first thing. Schedule yourself 2-3 windows dedicated solely to responding to emails or follow up phone calls. Respond with direct, and clear communication in order to decrease unnecessary follow-ups and time spent on more emails. When at home, we fall victim to different time-suckers like social media and text messages. Instead of spending your evenings with your cell phone, unplug from the digital world, and enjoy the company of your family or doing something for yourself.

Learn to Say No

One of the hardest things for many people to do is to say no to something. However, it is also one of the most important skills to be able to do. If you are in control of your time, then you know what is on your plate and how much more you can take on. By accepting new projects and responsivities when your list is already full it will only set you back even further. Be honest with how much you can take on, and say no when you need to. If you decide to decline, do so in a direct, polite, and prompt manner. By avoiding over-commitment, it allows you to be productive, get things accomplished and manage your time both in and out of work.

Take Time for You

In order to get your freedom back, it is suggested that the way we should spend our time is for productive work, and the enjoyment of life. Work-life balance isn’t fully balanced without doing the things you want to do. From meditation, to shopping, or being active outside, taking time for YOU is a critical piece of the puzzle. You-time can be scheduled over the weekend or evening and can also span multiple days by taking that much-needed vacation you’ve been thinking about. Studies actually show that vacations decrease the likelihood of heart attacks and depression in both men and women. Regardless of your length of time or activity, you-time is important to get your mindset right, and to even out the stresses that come with daily work.

Taking back your time is vital for both professional and personal success. It is also a gradual process that doesn’t just happen overnight. With the commitment to regaining that control and balance in your life and being consistent in your actions, you can reach the ultimate lifestyle.

Living right on Lake Washington in Seattle means there’s plenty of opportunities to spend ample time on the water. Of all the things there are to love about boating, the main reason I enjoy it so much is the quality time spent with family. There’s nothing better than enjoying time together on the water and getting a little Vitamin D. For those of you who haven’t incorporated boating into your family time, here are just a few reasons why boating is great for both you and your family.

Quality Family Bonding Time

Boating is an activity the whole family can enjoy and look forward to. It lends itself to a variety of activities that guarantee there will be something for every member of your family. From water sports like wakeboarding and waterskiing to land-based activities like docking at the San Juan Islands for group exploration, the possibilities are endless. With boating you can take a quick day trip to a nearby beach or fill an entire summer packed with boating adventure. Nothing creates family tradition and memories like spending time together under the sun and in nature.

Disconnect and Create Legacy

Aside from the fun and relaxation, boating also presents a great opportunity to disconnect, leave devices at home and spend more time making memories and creating learning experiences. Help your children learn about boating values by teaching them about the importance of quality family time, fresh air, boating skills and water safety. These are skills that can be passed down from generation to generation, allowing your children to reminisce on their childhood days spent on the water with family.

Work-Life Balance

Sometimes we all just need a break from work, school, commitments and errands. It’s easy to put ourselves on autopilot and grind through the work week without creating time for rest. Achieving balance can be even more difficult when you have a family. But making time to rest and recharge teaches our families the importance of balance. Our children also have their own share of unique stressors that can come from time spent at school. Even just one day of boating and being out on the water can be all your family needs to slow down and appreciate the simple pleasures of life.

With boating, there’s no shortage of fun and memories to be made with your family. Not only are there a variety of activities you can do together from water to land, but it can also one of the most memorable ways to spend time together. Sometimes all you need is time to unwind and get back to basics with nature. Sharing your passion of boating is a great avenue to creating legacy with your family.

Leslie WolgamottWhy You Should Make Boating a Family Affair Year Round

It’s that time of year again to make your resolutions––to promise yourself that you will do whatever it takes to become a better version of yourself. And there is nothing wrong with setting goals and raising your standards for yourself. In fact, it’s one of the best things you can do to become the best person you can be. But instead of committing yourself to a lofty resolution that will fizzle out before mid-march, make this year the year you decide to live your life with a clearer direction and a purpose behind everything you do. Here are 3 things you should do to give your life more meaning.

Surround yourself with good people

First and foremost, populate your life with good examples, positive influences, and people who remind you of what your passions are. It’s been said that you are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with, so why not spend time with people who make you the best version of yourself? In doing so, you will share similar passions, dreams, and life visions with the people in your life, and you

Do what you love

Make sure you spend the next 12 months, and all of the months after that, devoted solely to pursuing whatever it is that makes you come alive. The best way to improve the world is to chase after whatever you’re passionate about. Love sports? Find a way to unite a community through a ball game. Love animals? Bring people together to help the animals in your area. Love kids? Give a voice and empower the children that need to be heard. Whatever you do, find meaning in every moment and fill your life with moments that remind you of the sweetness of life.

Follow your dreams

Most importantly, make this year the year you chase after your dreams fearlessly and relentlessly––because that’s really the only way to make them come true after all. Stop putting your dreams on the back burner and make them a priority every single day. Keep the vision for your life alive by making your dreams become your reality.

A meaningful life is a life well-lived. Follow these 3 steps to make sure 2018 is the year you give your life more meaning.

If you’ve already turned your holiday playlist on and decked your house with balls of holly, then you’re right on track for getting into the holiday spirit. And while singing along to Christmas carols and decorating your house with lights and wreaths and greenery galore is no doubt propel you right into the holidays, it’s important to remember the reason for the season. This year make an extra effort to include the needs of others in your pursuit of spreading holiday cheer. Here are 3 easy ways for you and your family to make sure you spread holiday cheer with the people who need it most.

Reach out to those you’ve lost touch with

The holidays are time for family gatherings, long evenings spent with loved ones, and holiday celebrations with close friends. But what about those people who you were once close, but somewhere along the way, you lost touch with? Well, there’s no better time than the holidays to extend your hand, reach out, and catch up with the people you haven’t spoken to in a while. Remember that you never know what is going on someone else’s life, and a simple phone call could turn their entire day around. Plus, nothing says happy holidays like a phone call from an old friend.

Volunteer your time, money, and resources

Embrace the spirit of giving, and make an effort to give back this holiday season. Being generous with your heart and your resources is essential all year long, but especially during the holidays. And the options are endless this time of year. Donate blood to help save a life, drop off blankets at a homeless shelter, serve at a soup kitchen, or bring a box of toys to a children’s hospital. Just get out there and give back to your community.

Remember your neighbor

Don’t forget about the people you see on a daily basis. If you’re running to the grocery store, ask a friend if there is anything they need. After you finish shoveling your driveway, shovel your neighbor’s. Or bake some holiday treats, and drop them off for a friend who may need a pick me up this season.

In between the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, make sure to spread holiday cheer in a way that truly matters.